Social media users have praised an England football supporter who delivered a passionate message in Arabic on live TV to the delight of Qatari locals.
While being interviewed after England's emphatic 3-0 triumph over Wales on Tuesday, the fan (who had the cross of St George painted over his face) took the opportunity not just to celebrate his own country, but to defend another.
A viral video shared widely across social media shows the man telling a reporter from Qatar Living he has "just two things to say".
He continues: "One, football, it's coming home.
"And number two, free Palestine!"
The fan says his second point in Arabic, having previously apologised for the "little" he knows.
His statement is met with raucous applause and cheering from those behind him and a chant begins of: "Free! Free! Free!"
The video has since been shared widely on both TikTok and Twitter, with viewers having flooded to the post to applaud the England fan.
The 2022 World Cup has been a topic of controversy ever since it was announced it would be held in Qatar due to the country's poor human rights record.
In addition, this week the UN warned the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is “again reaching boiling point” and there have been clashes between native Qatari and visiting Israeli reporters and football fans.
However the unidentified England fan's sentiment has been viewed as a "beautiful moment of unity".
One Twitter user said: "I hope this guy has a wonderful day.
"A lot of the British media coverage has been divisive but despite their best efforts, they can’t prevent beautiful moments of unity like this.
"This is what the World Cup is about!!"
An Instagram user quoted: "'In extending our hands across the miles to the people of Palestine, we do so in the full knowledge that we are part of a humanity that is at one.' - Nelson Mandela."
One TikToker said: "The world is healing... thank you Qatar."
"The way he said Arabia & Palestine. Mashallah," another wrote.
There are laws in Qatar against same-sex relationships, which if broken can lead to imprisonment or even death.
The English and Welsh FAs faced backlash in the media after it was announced the teams would be pulling out of wearing "One Love" armbands during matches.
Qatar has also faced allegations of building a wall around the less affluent areas of the country to keep poverty from view during the World Cup.
The tournament completed its group stage matches yesterday and, today, Netherlands face USA and Argentina take on Australia in the first of the knockout games.
England take on Senegal tomorrow as they hope to make at least the quarter final stage in two consecutive World Cups.
